All shook up accurately describes "The Elvis Cruise 2008" that Arlington residents Denis Gourgeo and wife Vicki recently took celebrating their honeymoon. The couple married in July and postponed their honeymoon/vacation so that close friends Bobby and Lynn Webb and Dominico and Jennifer Rizzi, could join them.

The group was scheduled to depart from New Orleans on the Carnival Cruise Line on Aug. 29. However, the port suddenly changed due to an oil spill in the Mississippi which redirected them to the Mobile Port. Once they boarded, their destination was Cozumel, Mexico.

Denis Gourgeo, an Elvis impersonator prequalified for the contest by submitting pictures, video and personal background information. He was one of 20 enthusiastic contestants chosen to compete in the "Elvis Tribute Artist Contest" aboard the cruise line.

Although Gourgeo wasn't the overall winner, he was a finalist and placed fourth for his impersonation of the King.

According to Gourgeo, the "Elvis Cruise" was filled with shows and entertainment corresponding to Memphis themes and celebrities. It was hard not to feel right at home. The cruise was hosted by Jerry Schilling (a longtime friend of Elvis) and the onboard entertainment was delivered by Ruby Wilson, Andy Childs, The Dempseys, Ronnie McDowell, Terry Mike Jeffries and other well-known entertainers.

The expected return date for the cruise line was Sept. 1, but was postponed due to another turn of events. This time it was Hurricane Gustav that changed their visiting port to Progresso, Mexico. Guests aboard the cruise line were detained on the ship for an additional three days due to weather conditions along the Gulf Coast.

Never in harm's way and not at all feeling the effects of the hurricane, the extended stay aboard the cruise ship and the group's visit to the port of Progresso was filled with beautiful clear blue water and perfect blue skies.

There are certainly worse places to be stranded, and despite the circumstances of boarding and unboarding the cruise ship, the group had a wonderful time and describe their trip as a great adventure and look forward to their next planned cruise.

And, as the lyrics from the popular Elvis hit goes, "I've gotta follow that dream wherever that dream may lead..."

For Elvis impersonator and performer Gourgeo, that could very well mean another Elvis tribute somewhere.